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Caregiver Returnship Program

The County created the Caregiver Returnship Program to bridge the gap between individuals who have stepped away from the workforce due to caregiving obligations and existing County job opportunities.

Why should you apply?

With the Caregiver Returnship Program, you could be hired more quickly (3-4 months) compared to the County’s regular recruitment process (4-9 months). In addition to accelerated hiring, advantages of participating in the program include:

  • Addresses employment gap discrimination: Eliminates hiring bias against workers with familial responsibilities.
  • Optional resume and cover letter: Only the job application is required.
  • Single application packet: Only one job application is required for all returnship positions.
  • Focused employment pathway: Compete on a level playing field with others who also have taken a career break.
  • Dedicated program team: Ongoing support and networking opportunities.
  • Incredible employee benefits: Paid time off, health, life, financial, and retirement.

How does it work?

The Caregiver Returnship Program pilot will bring on 10 participant returners into unclassified positions that last up to 9-months with an option to renew for another 9-months, with a total program placement time of up to 18-months.

These unclassified positions are paid and fully benefitted. At any time during the placement, or at the end of the 9- or 18-month placement, the hiring manager can decide to hire the returner into the position as a classified employee. If they are hired into the classified position, they will begin their 9-month probationary period and following that become a regular, classified employee.

Visualize the program hiring process below.

Caregiver Returnship Program - Hiring Roadmap

CRP Hiring Roadmap:  1.	Application June to July 2.	Matching August 3.	Interview September 4.	Placement October 5.	Unclassified code trial period less than or equal to nine months  6.	If supervisor recommends a promotion, candidate can take exam. 7.	If exam or retest is successful, convert to classified code. 8.	If supervisor does not recommend a promotion or exam or retest is unsuccessful, Apply to Other Opportunities.

How do you get started?

  1. Submit the official job application between 6/5/24 – 7/21/24. The questions on this form are used to showcase your experience, education, skills, and work type preferences.  

    Read the application instructions for information on completing a County application and how to save your electronically submitted application.
  2. Email a copy of your Official Job Application to [email protected].
  3. Submit the CRP Supplemental Questionnaire between 6/5/24 – 7/21/24. The questions on this form are used to establish program eligibility and identify job matches. 

    Additional information may be requested of you to determine employment standards eligibility.
  4. Program Coordinators will begin reviewing all application packets on July 22, 2024. You will be notified of the results by email no later than September 6, 2024.

Find answers to commonly asked questions about the Caregiver Returnship Program below.

Frequently asked questions

Program Criteria/Eligibility

  • Is this program strictly for women and mothers?
    • People of all genders are eligible to apply, regardless of parental status. The caregiving provided can be for anybody else (e.g., child, parent, sibling, spouse, or other family members).
  • Is this program only for people who left the workforce entirely?
    • This program is designed for people with professional experience who have taken a break from full-time work (e.g., part-time work or seasonal work) to provide caregiving for another person.
  • Can I apply if I left the workforce due to retirement or recover from a serious illness?
    • This program is not for people who have taken a career break due solely to a personal injury, job lay off, retirement, or any other primary reasons unrelated to caregiving obligations.
  • How much of an employment gap that will be accepted?
    • There is no minimum or maximum length.
  • What kind of proof is required to verify that I took a break to provide caregiving?
    • Caregiving comes in many forms and are not always paid, so there is no standard verification process. Returner eligibility is determined based on your application packet, including your answers relating to job impacts due to your caregiver role.

Residency/Citizenship Status

  • Is this opportunity only open to Santa Clara County residents?
    • Anyone can apply, regardless of where they live. However, some positions require physically working in Santa Clara County or working remotely within the state of California.
  • Do I have to be of a particular citizenship or immigration status to be considered for this opportunity?
    • Anyone with a legal right to work in the United States may apply.
  • Do you offer employment visa sponsorship?    
    • No, you must have current work authorization in place in order to participate.

Job Requirements

  • What if I am interested in a job but do not have all the required skills?
    • The minimum eligibility criteria for each position must be met to be considered for that position, and it varies by position. This program offers a range of entry-, mid-, and senior- level positions across several departments with varying skill requirements.
  • What kind of support will I receive to ramp up in my returnship role?
    • The cohort of returners are expected to already have the minimum skills required for the positions they are placed into. Targeted support will be offered after the cohort of returners has been selected and hired, which will include networking, mentorship, navigation support, and skills development.

Workplace Arrangements

  • Are the positions full-time or part-time employment?
    • There is a range of positions with varying structures, including full- and part-time options. However, most of the positions are full-time.
  • Are there hybrid or remote work opportunities?
    • Telework options vary by position and telework requests are at managers’ discretion.
  • Where are onsite positions located?
    • Work sites vary by department and position. All are located throughout Santa Clara County.

Interview/Matching Process

  • How is job matching determined?
    • In the supplemental questionnaire, applicants are asked to indicate which position(s) they are interested in. Once the application packages are submitted, Office of Women’s Policy will match completed, eligible applications to the open positions. From there, Employee Services Agency will verify the minimum job requirements for each position and matched returner. Finally, hiring managers will receive a copy of the recommended returner along with their application packet and make a final determination on whether to interview. They will ultimately decide whether to place a program applicant into the unit’s open position.
  • How many job interview rounds are there?
    • It varies by position, but typically one to three.
  • What does the qualifying exam focus on?
    • It varies by position and may include written, oral, and/or physical agility tests.

Returnship/Probation Period

  • What if I am unable to complete the entire returnship duration due to a family emergency?
    • These returnship placements work like any regular position and returners will have access to regular benefits like paid time off for holidays and earned time accruals. Family emergencies should be handled like any other job – in coordination with your manager.
  • Once I convert from the unclassified code into the classified code, will there be a probationary period in my permanent position?
    • The program unclassified position placements, if successful, as determined by the hiring manager, will convert to a classified placement. Once the returner is hired into the classified position, they will begin their 9-month probationary period as a new County employee before becoming a regular, classified employee.

Employment Benefits

  • Is there a wage difference between an unclassified code and a classified code?
    • No, there is no wage or benefit difference between the two. Nor is there a difference between a probationary classified employee.
  • Where can I get more benefits information such as medical co-pays and retirement plans?
    • Learn about great benefits, including some that are only available to members in public service, that the County offers.